What are the diagnostic methods for rectal cancer

Rectal cancer is a highly prevalent cancer. This disease has a great impact on the patient's health and life. If it is not treated in time, the patient's life will be buried in the hands of cancer. So, how do doctors diagnose rectal cancer? Experts have introduced the following three diagnostic methods in detail, hoping to help patients with treatment.

1. Digital rectal examination

The vast majority of rectal cancer patients can be detected directly through rectal examination, especially lower rectal cancer. Rectal examination is simple and easy to perform, and can detect the size, degree of invasion, and whether the tumor is fixed. It can also check whether there is an implanted tumor outside the intestinal wall or in the pelvic cavity.

2. Proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Experts say that after a rectal digital examination, patients can use a colonoscopy to find out the shape of the tumor, the upper and lower edges, and the distance from the anus, and take a biopsy of the tumor tissue to determine the nature and differentiation level of the tumor. Cancer located in the middle and upper rectum cannot be touched by a digital examination, so a sigmoidoscopy can be used.

3. Barium enema and fiber colonoscopy

Although barium enema and fiber colonoscopy are not very helpful in the diagnosis of rectal cancer, they can rule out multiple tumors of the colon and rectum.

Experts have introduced the diagnosis methods of colorectal cancer. We hope that patients can avoid detours in treatment and control the spread of cancer cells as soon as possible. In addition, colorectal cancer patients should pay attention to their diet, such as not drinking, smoking, or eating high-fat foods.